H.B. No. 5154 amends the Education Code to enhance the role of the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) Council in supporting economically disadvantaged students pursuing medical education. The bill introduces new provisions that require the council to provide mentoring and academic services, facilitate student admissions to medical schools, and align educational goals with workforce needs. It also mandates the council to promote accessibility and equality in medical education by addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged communities and increasing scholarship funding to at least 30% of the total appropriated amount for the program. Additionally, the bill establishes clear communication policies, regular meetings, and an online feedback portal for students to submit recommendations and complaints anonymously.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes student engagement by requiring the council to promote the online portal during student orientation, through email communications, and on the program's website. The effective date of the bill is contingent upon securing a two-thirds majority vote from all elected members in both houses; if this threshold is not met, the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025. The legislative process has garnered significant support, with the House passing the bill by a vote of 131 to 11 and the Senate approving it unanimously.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.822, Education Code 51.823, Education Code 51.824, Education Code 51.834 (Education Code 51)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.822, Education Code 51.823, Education Code 51.824, Education Code 51.834 (Education Code 51)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 51.822, Education Code 51.823, Education Code 51.824, Education Code 51.834 (Education Code 51)
Enrolled: Education Code 51.822, Education Code 51.823, Education Code 51.824, Education Code 51.834 (Education Code 51)